VERY smart choice actually... people bolting on these huge FMIC's to run 380 RWHP are just adding dead weight and probably some lag to their cars. Even the smallest FMIC upgrades can handle these bolt-on cars putting down less than 400 or so RWHP. I bet a majority are leased and will be converted back to stock and turned in... or maybe it was a purchase but the car will never see anything beyond the typical bolt-ons and will be sold one day within the next couple of years. Keeping the stock connectors and not having to cut the bumper up will be a HUGE advantage to most people.

I don't know if it's just me but.. you guys ask for an upgrade... that is AMAZING.. but want 0 Change... -_-???? does not make any sense to me at all...

I don't know if it's just me but.. you guys ask for an upgrade... that is AMAZING.. but want 0 Change... -_-???? does not make any sense to me at all...

I don't need something AMAZING....as I am not doing aftermarket DP, exhaust etc. We all know the stock IC heat soaks pretty bad. I just want something BETTER than stock, but not have to trim and can use the stock c-clips. Helix requires little trimming if any at all...but doesn't utilize the C-lips.

I am sure HPF has a great unit, but lets not claim anything without pressure loss and IAT data. I have tested 3 intercoolers and I really suggest that people don't make bold statements without hard data.

There have been a few PMs I received tonight regarding as why I chose to purchase this. Well let me walk through this and save Chris and David some time. A few have mentioned as why did you purchase an intercooler at $995.. compare to $599 or $799 or even $899...

I have been a fan of HPF.. about 4 of my real life friends are boosted with HPF stages 3, 2.5 and 2.5.

1)They have been an outstanding company treating their customers with amazing customer service, fast responds time.. I can actually pick up the phone call HPF and ask for David and he'll pick up the phone.... VS calling VF engineering and asking for Nik for 5 hours... It took me about 10 minutes @ work to place the order for the intercooler... I ordered this IC through AIM with David!

2)They don't mess around... when they say the product is coming out in a few months it will be in a few months.. the stuff is not going to pop out of nowhere... it takes time to develop this and they are very honest with their words.

3)HPF really stands behind their customers.. if most of you have not heard the drama between the stage 2 VF superchargers vs HPF then read a little more. This is what HPF did for Richard to fix his Stage 4... here's the post read it yourself http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=730534

4)The piece of mind that knowing all of this are not just randomly thrown together and they actually have a shop that I can visit and plan on visiting soon.

There have been PLENTY of happy m3 customer here in SO-Cal take a drive in 1 and you will see why...

Cheers! if you have more questions as to why I chose this.. pm me? HAHA

Mike

wow...that thread on e46fanatics was amazing. i've never seen that level of customer service....ever.

That is some AMAZING customer service. I've never read something like that before, EVER!

Good job HpF for taking care of Rich and his M3. Can't wait for the HpF 335i kit!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by supahdave

I can see it now, this intercooler is setting the stage for later developments. Everything HPF does is well thought out in advance and for a reason.

They know their stuff.

Thanks everyone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClarkGriswold

Does anybody worry about the extra weight in regards to the stability of the FMIC itself?

Our front mount intercooler weighs 22 and is one of the few intercooler on the market supported by lower brackets in addition to the bumper support screws. Bear in mind, the factory intercooler piping also provides additional support but it makes more sense to have the intercooler support hold the weight of the intercooler rather than the factory IC piping.

Quote:

Originally Posted by turboawdfanatic

don't need something AMAZING....as I am not doing aftermarket DP, exhaust etc. We all know the stock IC heat soaks pretty bad. I just want something BETTER than stock, but not have to trim and can use the stock c-clips. Helix requires little trimming if any at all...but doesn't utilize the C-lips.

If anyone ever wants to "undo" the trimming required to fit this intercooler, they could purchase the inner liner and replace it. I'll have my guys look up pricing on that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan l.

HPF = The cream of the crop in the BMW FI world.

Top notch developments, products, and most important of all....customer service. The stuff that these guys do for the E46 M3 crowd is simply unheard of in the auto industry.

Quote:
Originally Posted by import36
wow...that thread on e46fanatics was amazing. i've never seen that level of customer service....ever.
indeed.

+2

With regards to "which intercooler" there's no doubt that there will be different strokes for different folks. For those who are only looking to bolt on some DPs, an IC, and add a tune for ~380whp and call it a day, no doubt there are plenty of other intercoolers out there that are more than adequate. To me, the appeal of the HPF FMIC is that it is part of the progression to a complete HPF car.

I like the extra support braces and was curious why some of the others haven't thought about this. When installing my Helix I was a little skeptical if the stock mounts (which seem like plastic) and stock plumping would be able to hold up the beast of a FMIC that the Helix is. I believe the weight of the two is very similar also. I also would like to know why the stock connections were used? It seems like even something that I have on the Helix seems to have better flow. Never the less it looks like a promising product and I look forward to HPF's future projects.